Award-winning youth empowerment and social mobility charity Urban Synergy believes that self-esteem grows when you see people like yourself enjoying success in education and work.
Stefan Harriot, who came through the Urban Synergy Mentoring Programme Alumni is Co-Chair of its Youth Council.
He spoke to 120 year 9 (age 13/14) students at Addey & Stanhope Secondary School online last month to launch the charity’s first “Success Looks Like US” Career Assemblies.
Stefan told students about his journey from a local Lewisham school to the world of work. He overcame challenges at secondary school during his GCSEs to focus and “knuckle down” to A levels in the sixth form.
With the help of a mentor from Urban Synergy, Stefan secured an apprenticeship as a Data Analyst apprentice at the London Stock Exchange. Last year he became a Market Risk Analyst.
Stefan emphasised the importance of extracurricular activities for work life balance.
Teacher and student feedback included:
Students:
“I liked how it was informative and showed how improvements can be made at any time.”
“It covered all the information that a Year 9 would need to know about the options for their career.”
“One thing I liked about the assembly is how his life is linked to ours.”
Teachers:
“Thanks for the very inspirational and powerful assembly this morning.”